Having diabetes increases the risk of heart disease. In fact, if you have diabetes, you are at least twice as likely as someone without diabetes to have heart disease.

Why does this happen? One of the problems with diabetes is that too much glucose stays in the blood. Over time, high blood glucose levels damage blood vessels. Damage to large blood vessels can result in plaque and reduced or blocked circulation to the brain and heart.

The good news is that people with diabetes can do many things to stay well and reduce their risk for heart disease. For example:

Develop a plan with your health care provider to manage your blood glucose levels throughout the day.

• Work with a health care professional to monitor and manage the ABC’s of diabetes - A1C (glycated hemoglobin),
• Blood pressure, and Cholesterol.
• Take your medication(s) as prescribed.
• Eat a healthy diet low in fat and sodium, and high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
• Don’t skip meals.
• Be active. Thirty minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week can help you control your diabetes and improve your heart health.
• Reach and keep a healthy weight.
  
  Key References
  
  

  Canadian Diabetes Association. (2007). Heart disease and stroke. Retrieved January 10, 2008, from http://www.diabetes.ca/Section_About/heart-disease.asp.

  
  Beckman, J. A., Creager, M. A., & Libby, P. (2002). Diabetes and atherosclerosis: Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management. Journal of the American Medical Association, 287, 2570-2581.

  
  Mayo Clinic. (2007). Have diabetes? Stop cardiovascular disease in its tracks. Retrieved January 31, 2008, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes/DA00052.